Tree Swallows feed their young chicks. The camera was placed in the special box just long enough to get 30 minutes of tape, so the parents never really got a chance to get used to it. You can see them eye the camera and panic before finishing their business each time.
Wow excellent vidoe...Like it very much..
lmmsl 2 years ago
These you can leave so the birds get used to them and you have wires that you send outside the box. You can hook up the security camera to your video camera and record. You DO need a power source. I use a little device called a Xantrex Xpower Power Source Mobile 100 Inverter Battery. It provides electrical power in the field, is light and easy to carry. Of course, there are a number of different wires to connect. I should probably put together a diagram.
TreeSwallowPro 2 years ago
Well, I would do things differently now than what I did to capture this particular footage. I built a special box with a chamber above the main box. Because this is on a public trail, I was concerned that the equipment might get stolen. When I found the nest being used, I opened the chamber and stuck in my video camera. It took some work to get it just right and it still wasn't perfect. Now, I've been using security type cameras that I can screw into the ceiling of the box.
TreeSwallowPro 2 years ago
Hi there, could you provide details of the camera set up like the one for the TRES swallow feeding the nestlings? That would be great to capture & have ready so they are used to it. Thanks,
ButterflyHunter
1ButterflyHunter 2 years ago
That I didn't know. I imagine that it doesn't ring true for Bluebirds. And how does this work for Violet Green Swallows? I don't have a problem with House Sparrows, but I'd gladly put up a few boxes to help the swallows against all comers, just so the Violet Greens can get some peace! :)
CAbluebirder 3 years ago
Tree swallows will fit into a 15/16" Oval hole. English House Sparrows will not fit in that hole. I just posted an instructional you tube on how to make this oval hole. For you, just increase the hole to 15/16". Title of you tube video is Oval hole for Birdhouses
ProtectSwallows 3 years ago
Unfortunately, both House Sparrows and Tree Swallows use the same size and shape of hole. All I can really use is due diligence. This trail, however has had no problems with House Sparrows (knock on wood).
CAbluebirder 3 years ago
What hole size or shape do you use to protect your tree swallows from house sparrows?
ProtectSwallows 3 years ago
Camera shy birds :), they look a lot like my purple martins.
haney8106 4 years ago